An early-morning fire and explosion in Tainan's Annan District injured 15 people and wrecked or damaged homes across the neighborhood, with the military now on the ground helping residents recover.

• A fire on an empty lot set off an explosion that spread to nearby houses and parked cars.
• 15 people were hurt, 11 homes were damaged or burned, and about 57 more households nearby were affected.
• President Lai Ching-te ordered full government support for the cleanup.
• The military's Fourth Operational Command sent 30 troops, including chemical corps and military police, to clear wrecked furniture and debris.
• Crews are working in gloves because broken glass is scattered across the site.

Outlook: Cleanup will continue in the coming days while officials work out what caused the blast.